Deep Kyoto Local Cuisine, Tranquil Temples on Premium Bus

7 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Explore the serene beauty of Kyoto's hidden gems on this immersive tour to Ohara. Departing from Kyoto in the morning, relax in a deluxe bus while enjoying complimentary drinks. Visit the tranquil Hosen-in Temple to savor matcha tea and sweets in a historical setting, and uncover the story behind the 'bloody ceiling.' You can also enjoy a tranquil stroll in the beautiful moss garden at Sanzen-in Temple. Experience a delightful lunch at Nomura Sanso, a Japanese restaurant surrounded by a stunning garden, where locally sourced ingredients come together in exquisite dishes. Return to Kyoto Station with your deluxe bus.

Deluxe bus transportation from Kyoto to Ohara
Enjoy matcha and sweets in Hosen-in Temple & admire Sanzen-in Temple moss garden
Eat lunch at a Japanese restaurant away from the tourist crowds
Return to Kyoto station by bus at the end of the tour

What's Included

English-speaking service attendant
USB plugs on board
Sanzen-in Temple admission
Bottled water
WiFi on board
Lunch at Nomura Sanso, which is difficult to get a reservation for
Amenities
Air-conditioned vehicle
Transportation by deluxe bus from Kyoto Station to Ohara and back
Restroom on board
Hosen-in Temple admission, matcha and sweets
Complimentary soft drink and alcoholic beverage service on board
Hotel pick up and drop off

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Tourist Bus Terminal, Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance (Kyoto Avanti)

Exit the JR Lines (Hachijo East Side) ticket gates and leave the station. Cross the street and proceed straight towards KYOTO AVANTI. Turn left and cross the street again, heading towards the Tourist Bus Terminal. Our bus attendant will be waiting for you in front of our blue bus.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 7 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    At Hosen-in Temple, you will enjoy the soothing view of a centuries-old tree from a tatami-matted, open room while being served matcha tea and sweets. This temple is renowned for its stunning gardens and rich history. Founded in the early 11th century, it originally served as a lodging for monks. The temple grounds feature a magnificent 700-year-old pine tree and a "bloody ceiling" made from the floorboards of Fushimi Castle, commemorating the deaths of soldiers during a famous battle.

    40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2

    Sanzen-in Temple was originally founded as a hermitage by the famous Buddhist monk, Saicho (767-822). The temple is known as a 'Monzeki Temple', meaning a temple where members of the imperial family have served in the priesthood throughout its history. The main attraction here is the wonderful moss-covered garden. Visitors can walk through the moss garden and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere. There are many amusing stone statues that peek out from the moss.

    40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3

    Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Ohara called Nomura Sanso. The restaurant was completed in 1987, after approximately 10 years of work by the father of the current owner, who handled the architecture, and a landscape gardener. The building is surrounded by a Japanese garden, visible from every room of this structure. The restaurant has many selected art pieces and boasts a beautiful veranda overlooking the garden and golden folding screens; it is curated in every detail. The food is also meticulously prepared, using locally sourced vegetables to create Japanese cuisine that blends modern elements. Among their specialties are the famous chicken hotpot and fresh vegetable dishes. It's worth noting that reservations for this local restaurant are often difficult to obtain.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Only passengers who are able to walk up the bus stairs and to their seats autonomously can participate in the tour.
  • Please note that only one large piece of luggage (20-23 kg) per person can be stored in the bus trunk. You may carry your small bags with you to your seat.
  • Please note that if you are late for the tour start time or for an activity during the tour, you will not be able to join the tour midway.
  • Please note that the total duration of the trip includes the travel time.
Supplied by LIMON and Yui Olivia

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Tags

Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Historical Tours
Food & Drink
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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